Arthritis and other forms of joint pain can make even the simplest forms of movement difficult in your day to day life. Although you may feel like taking a pain pill to get quick relief, these anti inflammatory medicines are not without side-effects, and their prolonged use can lead to permanent damage to your organs and the immune system over a period of time. Instead of opting for common over the counter pain medication, the best solution is to incorporate some natural anti inflammatory foods in your daily diet which will have a far more positive effect on your health.

Here are a few top natural anti inflammatory foods that will help you deal with pain better and heal faster:

Turmeric

Turmeric is often used in Indian and South Asian cooking and is an excellent anti inflammatory agent. Curcumin present in turmeric is regarded to be as powerful as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin, without the side effects. You can either add a pinch of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to sleep or use it as a curry powder in your main dishes.

Fish

Fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, trout and anchovies are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which help lower the risk of heart disease, boost the immune system and reduce swelling due to chronic conditions. Whenever there is a stark imbalance in the amount of omega 3 and omega 6, there can be increased inflammation and pain. If you are a vegetarian, you can get your omega 3 from walnuts, pecans and flax seeds.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Both these vegetables contain properties that help reduce inflammation which makes them one of the most effective natural anti inflammatory foods. They are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber that strengthen the immune system and help remove carcinogenic compounds.

Papaya

This is not only a delicious fruit but also a great agent for reducing pain and inflammation. An enzyme called papain and other vitamins and minerals contained in the fruit help relieve aches and soreness. You can also eat papayas to aid digestion and promote healthy skin and hair.

Kelp

Kelp is a kind of marine algae which is a rich source of nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and protein. A complex carbohydrate called fucoidan present in kelp makes it one of the most potent natural anti inflammatory foods. There are various types of kelp that you can include in your diet like kombu, wakame or arame, often used in Korean and Japanese cuisine in the form of sushi, miso soup or stir fry.

Pineapple

Pineapples are refreshing and besides a great taste, they are also one of the most popular natural anti inflammatory foods. They contain an enzyme called bromelain which reduces inflammation, helps reduce pain and eases the healing process. In fact, there are some arthritis medicines which also use these extracts to treat the condition. Try to get fresh pineapples instead of the canned ones, as they are devoid of any preservatives and added sugar.

Berries

All kinds of berries like blueberries, strawberries or raspberries are great natural anti inflammatory foods. They contain phytochemicals and antioxidants which soothe the joints and remove harmful toxins from the body. Eat them whole or in the form of smoothies to ease joint pain.